Wilder urges support for Smalley

Oxford boss Chris Wilder has called on fans to back Deane Smalley after the new striker scored in their Johnstone's Paint Trophy win.

Last Updated: 05/10/11 11:05am

Smalley: Scored winner for U's

Oxford boss Chris Wilder has called on fans to back Deane Smalley after the new striker scored in their Johnstone's Paint Trophy win.

The U's beat Aldershot 2-1 in the second round and the frontman, who was so impressive in notching 12 goals for Chesterfield last season, finally broke his duck for the U's in his 12th game, with what turned out to be the winner.

West Ham loanee Robert Hall had broken the deadlock just five minutes after the break with a left-footed effort before Smalley turned Darren Jones inside out and fired in with his left. Danny Hylton managed to pull one back for the home side but Wilder was delighted as his side hung on for an important win ahead of Saturday's clash with Bristol Rovers.

He said: "I just wish 8,000 of our supporters had been there to see Deane score. But he'll come good, I know that. It's on his shoulders. I haven't bought him for the first month of the season, I know he's going to be a great player for this club.

"We battled all night and when they raised the tempo, we got into them. We showed we're a decent side. It's a good win against a decent side, it's a difficult place to come and win and we have a massive game now on Saturday.

"Deane has got his goal but all the players need the love and need an arm around them. They are all giving their all for the club and hopefully we'll get a good honest performance on Saturday."